There are many options for treating unexpected hair loss, with treatment being most effective when the condition is detected early. Knowing the difference between typical hair loss and unexpected balding is sometimes difficult. Here are the best ways to tell if you’re going bald.

Know how much shedding is too much

Everyone loses 50-100 hairs per day in order to make room for newer, healthier hairs. If your hair is falling out in handfuls or you see a major increase in your shedding quantity, you may be starting to go bald.

Look at your scalp

If there are any patchy, bare areas of your scalp where there wasn’t before, you may be experiencing unwanted hair loss. Be sure to check out all areas of your scalp, including the back of your head.

Study your hairline

Take notice of your hairline - is it receding? Balding people (men in particular) often experience a receding hairline in the early stages of hair loss. It may be helpful to take a photo of your hairline and use it to compare two weeks or a month later to see if there’s been any change.

Take before and after photos

Before and after photos are not only helpful for evaluating a receding hairline, but also for evaluating general hair loss. Ask a spouse or friend to take photos of your hair over the course of 2-4 months and study the photos to see if there’s been a change.

Wet your hair

A quick way to tell if your hair is thinning is to wet your hair in the shower or sink and see how much of your scalp is visible; if you can see an inch of your scalp or less, your hair is full and healthy - any more than that and you may be balding.